New England Inks ILB Paris Lenon

A report from ESPN by Len Pasquarelli states that the New England Patriots and linebacker Paris Lenon have agreed on a deal. The deal is reportedly for one season.

Lenon was recently released by the Detroit Lions despite leading the team in tackles in 2008. He has racked up 100 or more tackles in his last two seasons for the Lions and started all 16 games in each season since signing with them in 2006.

Previously, Lenon had been with the Green Bay Packers who he signed with as an undrafted free agent in 2002. In his four seasons with the Packers, he rose to a starting caliber linebacker in 2005 after working his way up through special teams and reserve roles.

This linebacker projects to see significant playing time for the Patriots in a linebacking rotation that includes only one stable starter in Jerod Mayo. Tedy Bruschi arguably still has enough to play effectively, but will not be able to play three downs which causes a need for more depth.

The Patriots tried to address the depth issue at this position during the draft, but lost their third round pick Tyrone McKenzie to an ACL injury already. Some reports stated the team had interest in another recently released linebacker, Pisa Tinoisamoa. The move to sign Lenon makes that signing unlikely at this point.